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After spending nine weeks on the injured reserve with a designation to return, Visanthe Shiancoe has been activated.

The four-game suspension of Brandon Bolden on Friday opened up a spot on the 53-man roster, and it was filled on Saturday by the nine-year veteran tight end. Shiancoe is now the fifth tight end on the roster, joining Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Daniel Fells and Michael Hoomanawanui.

Shiancoe, 32, has 243 career receptions for 2,677 yards and 79 touchdowns. Last season he was with the Minnesota Vikings, where he caught 43 passes for 409 yards and three touchdowns. Shiancoe was signed by the Patriots on July 25 and was placed on the IR on Sept. 5 with a hamstring injury.

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